Top five tips for winter road trips

Maybe you’re daydreaming (and planning) a white Christmas overseas road trip, or you’re taking one of the many opportunities to explore your own backyard. Like all good road trips, it’s best to be prepared and hopefully avoid delays on the highway.

With Winter upon us, here are our top five tips you should read before heading off.

Whether you decide to take your own vehicle, or you’re renting one, it’s important that whatever wheel you’re behind is definitely roadworthy, so you’ll get to your destination safely. If you’re hiring a car, you can ask for the latest safety report, but if you’re taking your own car, think about ticking off these few things before you hit the road.

Make sure you check (and continue to keep an eye on) your tyre pressure before and during your trip. It’s worth keeping in mind freezing temperatures cause tyres to lose air quicker, and if you’re heading somewhere snowy, make sure your tyres can handle the icy and snowy roads.

And finally, if not obviously, best to head out with a full tank of petrol. You’ll be driving on unfamiliar roads and may not come across anywhere to fill up as regularly as you anticipate, so instead of spending time stranded on the side of the road waiting for roadside assistance, fill up the tank and make sure you’re not pushing the petrol light!

There would be nothing worse than only getting a few kilometres into your winter wonderland trip before your car decides to die.

To avoid this happening, book it in with a mechanic to give it a once over before you leave. Colder weather can affect your car battery and cooling systems, so you will want a professional opinion to make sure they’ll be able to handle any road trip you have planned.

They can also check that your car's fluid levels (engine oil, anti-freeze, power steering and brake fluid, windshield wiper, and transmission fluid) are at a healthy level before your drive. You may need to monitor some of these on your journey so if you're unsure how to check these, ask your trusted mechanic.

This one might help to save any fights breaking out when you take a wrong turn and find yourself travelling 2 hours in the wrong direction. Make sure you know where you’re going, and how you’re going to get there.

Planning your route will help you work out which roads are known for being prone to snow, ice, or are a little slippery. You also want to look at what roads might shut due to major snowstorms, and if there are any routes that might take you close to water. If you can help it, avoid taking shortcuts in areas you’re not familiar with, and print out directions in case you run into a telecommunication black spot, or something unexpected happens to your smartphone and Google Maps.  

It’s also a good idea to check weather forecasts on your intended routes and your destinations. Don’t risk it if there’s bad weather expected. It’s better to stay put until it’s safe to travel and you can continue on your road trip!

Whether you’re heading out on the road for an extended period of time, or you’re just planning a long weekend on the highway, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected.

Keep an emergency cold-weather kit in your car, and include things like extra food and water, warm clothing, a torch and extra batteries, an ice scraper, extra windshield wiper fluid and engine oil, a couple of extra blankets, any medications, and a phone charger. Make sure your roadside assistance membership is up to date (just in case!).

One big mistake you could make with a winter road trip is overestimating how far you are comfortable driving in one go. New roads and conditions mean you may not get as far as what you originally thought – and that’s okay! Staying safe and comfortable behind the wheel is the main thing.

Make sure you allow for plenty of extra time at stops (both planned and unexpected) and don't assume you will be travelling in the same way as you would on the highway in summer. Certain conditions call for slower speeds and more space between you and any other cars on the road.

It’s also worth booking flexible accommodation that you can easily change or check in late to, should you find yourself taking it easy on the roads due to weather conditions or wanting to hang around a little longer taking in the scenery during a planned stop.

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